KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Mo., police want people who drink to know exactly how much alcohol is in their system before they get behind the wheel with no repercussions. So on Friday night, officers will be serving up a mobile breathalyzer in Waldo to allow bar patrons to put their alcohol tolerance to the test.
“The numbers aren’t going to lie, so if you think you are sober and you try to drive, these might show you differently,” said KCPD Capt. Robert Zimmerman.
Zimmerman says that pamphlets for cabs and other transportation will be handed out to those who are over the limit — and that police won’t be hiding in the bushes to bust people.
“We’re not going to have officers around the corner with binoculars spying on people,” said Zimmerman.
Eric Roche, general manager of Quinton’s in Waldo, says that he likes the idea.
“It helps us as well, keeping our patrons informed about where they are as far as drinking and if they should get a cab number from us,” said Roche, who added that it’s a lot easier than arguing with someone who may have had too much to drink. “It’s concrete evidence to where you are, I mean you don’t want to get behind the wheel when you’ve had one or two too many.”
Waldo patrons like Barney Wages agree.
“I know if I was in a bar and had a few drinks I would want to know my blood alcohol content was before I got into a vehicle, so I think it’s a good idea,” said Wages.
Zimmerman says that six of the mobile breathalyzer units will be set up around Waldo starting at 8:00 p.m. on Friday night. He says that police aren’t going to track how many people are over the limit, but will keep notes on how many people take part in the voluntary program.
